P - Caution when used during pregnancy L - Caution when used during lactation FI - Food *

Azithromycin is an azalide, a subclass of macrolide antibiotics.

Azithromycin is one of the world's best-selling antibiotics, and is derived from erythromycin; however, it differs chemically from erythromycin in that a methyl-substituted nitrogen atom is incorporated into the lactone ring, thus making the lactone ring 15-membered.

Azithromycin is used to treat or prevent certain bacterial infections, most often those causing middle ear infections, tonsillitis, throat infections, laryngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, Typhoid, and sinusitis. In recent years it has primarily been used to prevent bacterial infections in infants and those with weaker immune systems. It is also effective against certain urinary tract infections, such as non-gonococcal urethritis and cervicitis. Recent studies have also indicated it to be effective against late-onset asthma, but these findings are controversial and not widely accepted.

Precautions

Monitor

Sensitivity Review results of culture and sensitivity testing as appropriate.

STD testing Ensure patient being treated for sexually transmitted urethritis or cervicitis has serologic test for syphilis and cultures for gonorrhea performed at time of diagnosis and that appropriate antimicrobial therapy and follow-up tests are initiated if infection is confirmed.

Other Drug Interactions

Other Interactions

Food interactions Food may alter absorption

Dosage

Oral

Skin and soft tissue infections.Adult: 500 mg once daily for 3 days. Alternatively, 500 mg as a single dose on the 1st day followed by 250 mg once daily for 4 days.Child: >6 mth: 10 mg/kg; 15–25 kg: 200 mg; 26–35 kg: 300 mg; 36–45 kg: 400 mg. Doses to be taken once daily for 3 days

OralRespiratory tract infectionsAdult: 500 mg once daily for 3 days. Alternatively, 500 mg as a single dose on the 1st day followed by 250 mg once daily for 4 days. Child: >6 mth: 10 mg/kg; 15–25 kg: 200 mg; 26–35 kg: 300 mg; 36–45 kg: 400 mg. Doses to be taken once daily for 3 days

OralUncomplicated genital infections due to Chlamydia trachomatisAdult: 1 g as a single dose.

Food(before/after)

TabMay be taken with or without food. (May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.)

SuspMay be taken with or without food. (May be taken w/ meals to reduce GI discomfort.)

CapShould be taken on an empty stomach. (Take on an empty stomach 1 hour before or 2 hour after meals.)

List of Contraindications

Azithromycin and Pregnancy

Caution when used during pregnancy.

Category B: Either animal-reproduction studies have not demonstrated a foetal risk but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women or animal-reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect (other than a decrease in fertility) that was not confirmed in controlled studies in women in the 1st trimester (and there is no evidence of a risk in later trimesters).

Azithromycin and Lactation

Caution when used during lactation

Azithromycin and Children

Acute bacterial sinusitis, acute otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 6 mo of age.

Pharyngitis/Tonsillitis Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 2 years of age.

Ophthalmic solution Safety and efficacy not established in children younger than 1 years of age.

IV infusionSafety and efficacy not established in children younger than 16 years of age.